Green group sues EPA for information on deregulatory task force

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is suing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for allegedly failing to respond to the group’s request for documents pertaining to its regulatory reform task force.

In a complaint filed in a U.S. district court in Virginia, the SELC claims the EPA missed the statutory deadline to respond to the Freedom of Information Act request the organization filed in April for information relating to the deregulatory panel.

Trump issued an executive order in February directing each agency to evaluate existing regulations and make recommendations to the agency head regarding their repeal, replacement or modification, consistent with applicable law.

{mosads}SELC argues the order goes hand in hand with Trump’s February order directing agencies to repeal two rules for every new rule issued. The group said that since EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt was confirmed, the agency has already attempted to delay or reverse key environmental protections.

“EPA’s protections for air, water, and public health are critical to SELC’s mission,” SELC said in its 11-page complaint. 

“To advocate for the people and natural resources of the Southeast, SELC requires prompt and full information on EPA actions to weaken or undo these protections.”

SELC has asked the court to force EPA to turn over all nonexempt documents that have been requested.